The SUNY Fredonia STEP project launched its Year 2 activities in an action-packed summer camp for local middle schoolers. The Fredonia Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) helps prepare underrepresented students to enter college and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math fields.
Middle school students attended a week-long STEP camp, focused on robotics, computer coding and NASA technology. Fredonia 鈥 partnering with Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES (E2CCB) 鈥 hosted the camp Aug. 9 to 13 at the E2CCB CAM P-TECH Academy site in Springville. The camp enrolled 22 middle school students from Gowanda, Salamanca and Silver Creek school districts, all partnering districts on the project.
Though this year鈥檚 camp is over, programming for 182 students continues during the regular school year. 鈥淲e support the students, mentoring the students during the year,鈥 explained SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Michael Jabot, who is the STEP principal investigator. Educators and guidance counselors in the students鈥 home districts monitor their progress and assist in coordinating the project鈥檚 STEM and college-facing activities.
鈥淚t was very well received by the students,鈥 Dr. Jabot, of the College of Education, said of the camp. 鈥淭he number one complaint was they wished they had more time.鈥
The College of Education has a long history of supporting the program, funded by a $1.5 million five-year award from the New York State Education Department. Administering the program with Jabot is Danielle O鈥機onnor, a retired school superintendent, who serves as STEP project director.
鈥淭he STEP program continues to support students across the region, not just in these three school districts,鈥 Jabot said.
